What is an empath?

You have probably heard the term “empathy”. When you are empathic, you care deeply about the feelings of others. Empathy is something most people naturally have.

A person who has high levels of empathy is called an “empath”. Empaths are individuals who are highly aware of the emotions of the people around them at all times. An empath does not perceive emotions only within themselves; it’s like an emotional sponge. Empaths absorb the emotions of those around them and take on those feelings, which are sometimes quite intense. At times, it can become too much, and an empath can experience symptoms of depression and anxiety because they are so influenced by the people around them.

For some people, empathy may not come naturally. For example, an individual with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) may struggle to express and understand empathy. While it can be learned, some people get better at expressing empathy at other times.

That said, some people, like empaths, have a stronger sense of empathy than others. While this isn’t a bad thing, if empaths don’t take care of themselves, finding time to relax and escape the weight of others’ feelings, they can become overloaded and this can negatively affect them.

Empathy is a blessing and a curse

Having a high level of empathy is both wonderful and extremely challenging. It is difficult for empaths because they cannot simply “turn off” or diminish their empathy. They can learn to draw boundaries, but they can’t just “stop hearing” because that’s not possible.

Being self-aware as an empath is extremely important. If you feel that you need to take some time for yourself, it is extremely crucial to do so as you need to reset and refresh your ability to interact with others.

It is something to keep in mind if you are an empath and are deciding what kind of career you would like to pursue. You are a sensitive person who cares deeply about other people. It is also important to note that empaths need time to process their feelings, both in relation to work and in their personal life. Being an empath isn’t easy, but there are careers that suit people with high levels of empathy.

Careers for empaths

Psychologist

A psychologist is a person who can diagnose and treat mental health problems and mental illnesses. They can also identify and work with behavioral problems.

Mental illness is an extremely real phenomenon in which people are facing symptoms that they have not asked for, but which can significantly impact or compromise their life. Individuals living with mental illness deserve to be treated, cared for, and understood.

If an empath decides to be a psychologist, that’s ideal because they care deeply about humans, have an easier time putting themselves in others’ shoes, and can understand people on a level that others can’t always understand. Empaths want to help people by nature. They understand that emotions are a challenge and they don’t want to see people struggle. A psychologist may work in a hospital setting, community health center, school, research setting, rehabilitation center, or private practice.

Social workers

Empathy is a crucial part of the role of a social worker. If you are a social worker, it is important that you understand and care about how people are affected by a variety of situations. You have to see outside of yourself to be a social worker, and this is a skill that empaths naturally possess. While your talents will be of great use in this career, it is imperative that you take the time to distance yourself from your job and use self-care if you choose to pursue this path.

Teachers

People who are empathic can be excellent teachers because they understand the emotions of the children, teens, or adults they work with. They want to see their students succeed both academically and emotionally, and are able to understand if there are any emotional or behavioral challenges in the classroom. They will be sensitive to these issues because they have high levels of empathy.

If you are working with young children as a teacher, chances are you have studied child development and psychology. If you are a professor, chances are you have studied abnormal psychology or human behavior. It is important to understand that teachers have a huge impact on people’s lives. Most people have at least one teacher from their past that they will always remember, and when you teach a class, your students retain the way you treat them and the things you say.

Non-profit organizations

Nonprofits are places that are passionate about a specific cause, whether it be mental health, animal rights, education, environmental rights, or a variety of other humanitarian issues. These are places where you will often find people with high levels of empathy. Empaths gravitate towards situations, companies, and organizations where they can help other people. So if you work for a non-profit organization that helps the elderly, animals or people with disabilities, you will have a major impact on the lives of others. Healing is something empaths can use to their advantage in the workplace, and working for or starting their own nonprofit is a great example of how this can happen.

Artist

Empaths often gravitate towards the arts because expressing yourself through the arts, whether as a dancer, artist, musician, actor, and so on, is not just about the art, but the emotion behind the piece. It’s about creating something that expresses the way you feel, the way you see the world, or helping people by giving them something to relate to or smile about. Creative people often have high levels of empathy, and this can help them in their careers because they are driven to impact people and the world around them through their craft. Their strong emotions help them make a vibrant and unique art that others are drawn to. It is very likely that you will see a multitude of empaths in whatever creative field you enter. If you are an artist and you care about others,

Orientation or career therapist

If you don’t want to be a teacher but enjoy working in an educational environment, being a guidance therapist or career therapist might be the perfect solution for you. You will still be able to work with people, but most of the time, you will be dealing with problems that are less “intense” than those of a normal therapist. Your compassion can help guide people in the right direction, and it will give you the patience to really listen and understand what people are saying to you. Students can be very anxious about their current studies and future careers, and as a career or guidance therapist, you will be able to offer them the understanding and support they need.

Nurse or doctor

A medical field is a place where you can really use your empathy for good. Patients need to be understood and listened to. Regardless of the population, you work with as a doctor or nurse, your tendency to feed others will benefit you and the people you work with. As an empath, you will be able to provide the compassionate care everyone wants from their nurse or doctor.

Business owner

As an empath, you may find that you have the drive to start your own business or organization. Perhaps, it will be a non-profit as we talked about above or perhaps it will be a traditional for-profit company. For example, empaths may find success in starting their own business as a life coaches. Being your own boss can be a great thing if you are an empath because you get to make your own rules, set your own boundaries, and run your business or organization in a way that you feel is ethical.

Empaths can work anywhere

If you’re an empath, you don’t have to limit yourself to the range of professions we’ve outlined above. You can work wherever you feel passionate and comfortable with the work you are doing. It’s about understanding your strengths and limitations, just like anyone else. It is important to know that you have the right to set limits in the workplace and that it is extremely important to have a work-life balance. This is true for everyone, but it is especially true for empaths. Remember that you have the right to take care of yourself, and you must do so because empaths can often be self-sacrificing, both in their personal life and in the workplace. It is vital that you work in an environment where you feel comfortable and respected as an empath.

Online psychotherapy can help empaths

Online psychotherapy is an excellent place to express your feelings about anything you want to talk about. If you are an empath, you may have a hard time setting boundaries with others due to your urge to help them, and this is something you can talk about in psychotherapy. You may also find that you give a lot of your emotional space to others and don’t take enough time to focus on your needs.

Serenis therapists are passionate about helping people and supporting you in difficult times. Being an empath is an amazing and special thing, but it can also be draining, which is why talking about empathy and balance with an online therapist can help. Search the network of experienced mental health professionals here at Serenis. Know what empathy is, and if you are an empath, use these skills to help others and remember to take care of yourself.

As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the buzz around online therapy has grown. Vox recently wrote an article on the general state of online therapy and what a new user might expect. There is punctual evidence people need not worry about: For most and the most common types of therapeutic treatment, online therapy has been found to be just as effective as traditional face-to-face therapy.